My hair was down to my hips. I cut off about 15 inches to get the pixie cut you see in the photo above. This is my story about my experience, and if you're considering cutting your hair, hopefully it will help you with your decision.

When I first started hating my long hair, I asked myself these questions: Is it becoming more of an inconvenience than it’s worth? Do I envy people that have short hair? Am I wearing it up in a ponytail or a bun more than I wear it down? Is it too hot or too heavy? Is it giving me headaches? Is it too much maintenance?

Honestly, some of my answers were initially no. I asked myself those questions too many times to count, and eventually, the answer to all of them became yes. That’s around the time I really started looking into shorter styles. I waited, though, because I’m not an impulsive person.

And maybe this is a personal choice, but I advise everyone to do this before deciding on any major physical change-think about it for at least two months (I usually do three or four), and if you still want to change it just as much as you did before, then do it! I’ve never regretted any decision I’ve made so far, because usually the longer I wait, the more I want to do it.

I was full of nervous excitement the day of my appointment because I’ve never had hair this short. I looked at TONS of different styles of pixie cuts and had about eight different pictures that I showed my hairstylist. I also had a picture of a shoulder-length haircut just in case I backed out.

I honestly thought I would cry once I saw the first ponytail get chopped. However, once it was gone, I felt nothing but relief. Relief because I was free, relief because my head felt so much lighter, and relief because I knew right then that I was only going to leave happy if I had a pixie cut (she told me she was going shoulder-length to start with). I can’t really explain to you why or how I knew that I wasn’t going to hate having really short hair, but I just did.

It made me feel like I could do anything I wanted to with my hair. So, I made the decision and just went for it. I was smiling during the entire appointment. I simply felt… happy. There’s no other word to describe it. It was pure happiness for finally doing something because I wanted to.

This was a decision I made solely on my own. I’ve always been one to ask for the opinions of others when making a decision like this, and I usually end up doing something different from what I had originally planned because of what I’m told. I told only three people I was cutting my hair this short because I didn’t want anyone putting doubts in my head.

I did this for ME, and I’m not going to apologize for that. I don’t care if people think it looks bad. I don’t care if people hate it. I wanted this, I like this, and that’s all that matters.

I felt liberated. I felt brave for making such an extreme change. I felt proud of myself for trusting my instincts. And you know what? Now I don’t have to buy two bottles of conditioner to every one bottle of shampoo.

I don’t even have to buy it as often! I don’t have to spend 45 minutes trying to straighten and style my hair. I DON’T EVEN HAVE TO BRUSH IT. I can drive with the windows down without having to pull it back! I don’t miss my long hair at all because it’s so nice to be able to do things without having it in my way.

That's why I say go for it! The feeling of finally being free is indescribable. Do it because YOU want to. Don’t let the opinions of others deter you from it. It’s a decision you won’t regret if you’re serious about it.